Hi All:
I have a couple new symptoms, one of which is tinnitus (started early Feb.). I just woke up with it in the middle of the night and it's been with me ever since. This I can deal with. The other one is more concerning. I've heard a bit about Lyme Carditis and don't know if that's what this is so I'm looking for feedback. This has been occurring for the past couple/few months. ONLY when I lie down (generally at night), it feels like my heartbeat become more noticeable and pronounced to me. Since I've never had palpitations, I'm not sure if that's what this is. I wouldn't necessarily say that my heart beats any faster but I'm way more conscious of it and can hear it beating through my ear with my head resting on my pillow, which never happened before. Also, in listening to the beat, it's normal EXCEPT it almost seems like there's an extra beat or a missing beat in there, but very rarely. I might have to listen for 30-60 seconds to detect the irregularity. It's subtle enough that both my boyfriend and I both had to listen carefully and even thought maybe we 'misheard' it. I have no physical symptoms associated with this while lying in bed--no pain, no changes in breathing, nothing. And I notice nothing during the day, only upon lying down at night.
I am treating with an out-of-state LLND, am Rifing and taking herbs but no antibiotics. I suffer from significant MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and am looking to avoid abx. for as long as possible due to prior reactions to both antibiotics and anesthesia as well as a tendency toward Candida. I have been unemployed for going on 2 years and am significantly hampered financially. Since I no longer have health insurance (can't afford it), unless the heart issue worsens significantly, I really can't go to the doctor to have it checked.
Anyone have any thoughts?